The Rivers State Police Command has taken over all 23 local government council secretariats.
This comes after incidences of violence and disruption at several council secretariats around the state.
The crisis began hours after Governor Siminalayi Fubara directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take over administration of council areas when the elected chairman, vice chairmen, and councillors' three-year terms expired.
Recall that a recent court ruling recognised a three-man House of Assembly, which overturned the tenure extension granted by the 27-member Assembly loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike.
However, former chairmen have pledged not to leave their positions.
According to a statement released by the police, clashes between supporters of the two political factions have resulted in the death of one police officer and a vigilante at Eberi-Omuma in Omuma Local Government Area.
“We wish to ask the law-abiding residents and visitors in the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear. We are resolved to carry out our constitutional duty of protecting lives and property,” the statement released Tuesday evening by Police Public Relation Officer in the state, SP Grace Iringe Koko added.
